Idaho school campus closes after cougars spotted

A school district in north-central Idaho is canceling outdoor recess and requiring students to be escorted if they walk to school because police have spotted two cougars near the campus.

The Lewiston Tribune reports the Lapwai School District closed schools at noon on Monday after police reported the cougar sightings. District officials also told teachers to keep kids inside for recess and physical education classes and children who walk home from school or from bus stops were escorted by teachers and parents to their destinations.

Superintendent David Aiken says cougar sightings happen at least once a year, and the district has emergency procedures for the situation.

The Nez Perce Tribal Police said all available officers were patrolling the area to look for the big cats.